Rite-Hite owner warns employees of risks of voting Obama

Mike White, the chairman and owner of Rite-Hite, a major Milwaukee manufacturer of industrial equipment, wanted to be sure his employees understood what he feels is at stake in the presidential election.

In an email sent this week to employees, White said his workers "should understand the personal consequences to them of having our tax rates increase dramatically if President Obama is re-elected, forcing taxpayers to fund President Obama's future deficits and social programs (including Obamacare), which require bigger government."

The email, which may conflict with state election law, stunned some employees. One employee said he felt threatened by the email. "It's a good company, but for this to come out, it's absurd," said the employee, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution from management. »Read Full Blog Post

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Wisconsin statute 12.09(3):No person may personally or through an agent, by any act compel, induce, or prevail upon an elector either to vote or refrain from voting at any election for or against a particular candidate or referendum.

Wisconsin statute 12.11(1M):Any person who does any of the following violates this chapter:(a) Offers, gives, lends or promises to give or lend, or endeavors to procure, anything of value, or any office or employment or any privilege or immunity to, or for, any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector to:

To violate the law, White doesn't have to "tell" workers how to vote. Note the word "induce" which means to influence or persuade. I hope at least one of the workers reported this to the GAB so that there is an investigation. Ultimately, GAB would decide if the law has been broken.

The way that statues reads does not indicate that this person has broken the law.

As a general comment, I think it's good that employers are informing employees of what might happen to the companies they work if legislation is passed by one party or another. To me, it's no different that teachers/school administrators circulating e-mails regarding their views on Act 10 and to vote to remove Scott Walker from office. This type of discussion/communication is more productive and tangible than the garbage we hear from politicians on Television ads.

Welcome to the real world of small business. It can hardly be shocking that businesses are planning ahead on contingencies based upon the policies of the candidates. Simply because scenarios of what may occcur are communicated to employees hardly makes it a crime. I agree with LGRepublican; he does NOT violate the law in that email.

Freedom of Speech. Typically "liberals" who are neither open minded or tolerate to call for censorship. He isn't, unlike Obama and his union bosses, paying people to vote, attend rallies, etc. But that is okay because they are on the rightside, right Lefty? The end justifies the means if you a Democrat.

No, he did not make up those numbers. Remember the company also pays state and city taxes....compare that to Canada which just lowered its corporate tax rate to 15%. Yes, companies will drop their insurance and force employees to go into the exchanges; it was designed that way to eventually make us all dependent on the govt. So Obama has LIED when he said if you like your insurance and doctor you can keep it..

BTW, you better do some research how S corporations file their taxes and the shareholder is frequently the owner who is taxed at the individual rate.

Denial is going to find many people stunned if Obama is re-elected and Obamacare fully implemented. I suggest you read how the dictator Sibelius has redefined FT to be only 30 hours... be ready to work only 29 hours....as small business will readjust their work schedules to stay viable.

This guy is worse than scum. Not only does he threaten his employees he lies about the plan going forward. This is just one more example of the scum that is trying to buy the election. Welcome to the USA of Sheldon Adelson, Koch brothers, and now this River Hills scum bag.

It is a good thing we live in a free country and the 1400 workers can go work somewhere else if the think he is scum.. Better yet why dont the workers buy the company from him if he has got it so great

It's a shame that some people can't accept being talked to like adults. He merely pointed out the potential consequences a 2nd Obama administration would have on his company. People are still free to vote for who they choose to, but it's nice to know what you're voting for or against. Can't rely on the supposed media to help voters become fully informed, unless you want to know if Tommy Thompson's son has told any more jokes about Obama returning to his homeland.

It's called coercion and fear mongering or whatever else you want to call it. This clown's company would probably be better off if Obama won, however White might not be getting any extra personal favors.

Arnie, Ill speak for you regarding the difference.. the difference is that union members are forced in their trade to receive such letters and other influencing propaganda.. where as these workers can choose to leave after this one informative letter... oh wait that doesn't really help your narrative though...